Wenger looks for improvement

27 August 2012 09:17

Arsene Wenger accepted his new-look Arsenal strike force need to forge a better understanding after they failed to score in a frustrating goalless draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Gervinho were unable to make a breakthrough despite a dominant display in midfield led by Santi Cazorla, leaving Arsenal yet to open their goalscoring account after two Barclays Premier League games.

"Offensively we still have some work to do because we missed a bit of accuracy in the final third in our movement and in our passing," Wenger said. "We are used to finding each other in the final third and there's something missing but I still think we should have won the game 1-0."

With few clear-cut chances and a penalty shout turned down for Stoke, Arsenal could only take a point to add to the one they earned against Sunderland, with the void left by Dutch striker Robin van Persie still seemingly left to be filled.

Last season, Arsenal saw their bid for the title take an early dent as defeats against Liverpool and Manchester United followed an opening day 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

However, Wenger conceded winning a point against Stoke is not a given and is another positive to take back to the Emirates.

"You have to give credit to Stoke," Wenger said. "They defended well and have experience at the back and are a very strong team defensively."

He added: "Is it a point gained or two dropped? I would say it is two dropped on the day but I would say it is a good point as it is difficult for everybody to take a point at Stoke."

Meanwhile, Potters boss Tony Pulis was satisfied with the result after both sides struggled to find the target in what was still an entertaining game.

Pulis said: "As a football club we must never ever become blase about taking a point off one of the top teams in Europe."